American Family responding to help customers in western Wisconsin

Madison, Wis. (April 12, 2011) — A catastrophe team from American Family Insurance is responding to several counties in western Wisconsin, including LaCrosse, Monroe and Juneau, after a severe hail and wind storm swept through the area Sunday.

By Tuesday, American Family had received 755 property claims and almost 765 auto claims. The company expects those totals to rise to about 2,000 property claims and up to 1,500 auto claims.

American Family customers who have claims should immediately contact the company's 24-hour Customer Care Center —1-800-MY-AMFAM (692-6326) — to schedule an inspection of their damaged property or vehicle.

You should protect your property immediately against further damage and theft. Use plywood, tarps or other materials to cover broken windows and damaged rooftops. Keep the receipts of any materials/services that you purchase to make these repairs so your adjuster can review them and reimburse you for expenses covered by your policy.

How will the inspection process work?

When a hailstorm creates a large volume of claims, we will typically establish one or more drive-in sites where policyholders can take their hail-damaged vehicles to be inspected and receive payment for repairs, less their deductible. These inspections take place on an appointment basis only, so it's important that you first report your claim.
If your home has sustained hail damage, an adjuster will contact you at one of the phone numbers you provided when you reported your claim. The two of you will schedule an inspection of your home, after which the adjuster will develop an estimate and make payment for repairs covered by your policy.

Who do I call to make repairs?

You are free to select any contractor or repair shop you wish. It is usually best to select one who has operated in the area for several years, is insured and bonded, and will give you a written guarantee for the work performed.